No way, rosé! James Beard opens national search, may leave Chicago in 2029

The James Beard Foundation has begun a nationwide search for the next home of its annual awards, a move that could end the ceremony’s run in Chicago after 2028, according to PR Newswire. The foundation said cities can now compete to host the James Beard Awards from 2029 through 2033, with the winner to be announced in early 2027.

The process opened Wednesday, July 15, with a request for information due Friday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. ET and a request for proposal due Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. ET, the foundation said in its statement on PR Newswire. The awards have been held in New York City from 1991 to 2014 and in Chicago since 2015, as reported by the Chicago Business Journal.

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Clare Reichenbach, chief executive of the James Beard Foundation, said in a statement on PR Newswire that the foundation wants to hear from destinations “including Chicago” that support independent restaurants and recognize their role in the economy and culture.

Chicago’s case for keeping the awards

Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association said in a joint statement, as reported by the Chicago Business Journal, that the city is best positioned to host the event. The statement said, “Our culinary scene is unmatched in its depth, diversity, innovation, and global influence,” and added, “We look forward to participating in the process and demonstrating why Chicago remains the premier destination to host these iconic awards.”

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Reichenbach added in the announcement, “The James Beard Awards weekend is the biggest moment of the year in American food — a celebration unlike any other, bringing together the entire independent restaurant community to honor the creativity, innovation and leadership shaping our nation's food culture.”

The foundation confirmed the 2026 awards cycle generated $8.3 million in direct spending and $17 million in economic impact in the Greater Chicago Area, along with about $1.2 million in state and local tax revenues, according to its statement on PR Newswire. It also said the awards brought thousands of chefs, restaurateurs, journalists and food advocates to the city for panels, pop-ups and related events.